Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam

Which of the following precautions is essential to prevent health care-associated infections?

1. Insert drug additives to IV fluids.

2. Ensure a closed urinary catheter drainage system.

3. Frequently irrigate urinary catheters.

4. Change the IV access site regardless of inflammation.

The correct answer is: Ensure a closed urinary catheter drainage system.

Ensuring a closed urinary catheter drainage system is essential in preventing health care-associated infections because it minimizes the risk of contamination. A closed system prevents external bacteria from entering the urinary tract through the catheter, which is a common route for infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). By maintaining this integrity, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the likelihood of introducing pathogens that could cause infections. In contrast, options like inserting drug additives to IV fluids can introduce contaminants if not done in a sterile manner, while frequently irrigating urinary catheters could increase the risk of infection if not performed under sterile conditions. Changing the IV access site without clear indications of inflammation may also increase the risk of infection, as it could disrupt established barriers and open new potential entry points for pathogens. Thus, the focus on maintaining a closed urinary catheter drainage system is key to infection prevention.